Xavier: A British Secret Agent with the French Resistance

I liked this report as it revealed to me just how seemingly impossible agents' work was, and how brutal the risks. Yet they persevered, and were decidedly instrumental in bringing an end to the war more quickly. Some stories and ironies illustrate their total dedication in an arena of dangers and atrocities, and of mistrust by some of the French who wanted to take the decisions and the credits when things were going well. Just how "free" some of the areas were, is a myth, and is also explored in this book, of which I had no previous realisation.Yes, it's another one of a spate of SOE stories, but it is first-hand writing, and skates over humdrum way-of-life stuff when that's not relevant.

Xavier's story is unmissable. The immense pressures and dangers of operating as a spy behind enemy lines. Highly recommended.

I salute and thank all the brave men, women and youngsters, civilian or military who gave any or all to defeat tyranny. Their sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

I have read many autobiographies of resistance and other accounts of SOE. This is one of the best and I can't understand why it took so long for me to find it. You do not have to be a WW2 history buff to enjoy this. A most humbling account - a book I read in record time.

I have read a number of books about SOE agents in France, this is one of a very small number written by the man himself. No gloss, no embellishments, it tells it like it was. To know what an organiser (as Richard Heslop was) or a courier or a W/T operator had to do is all here. The book also provides a great insight into working with the local resistance and I was interested to find on line a brief film of the Defilé du Maquis a Oyonnax, (the march on 11 November) that Colonel Heslop so disapproved of together with an interview with Romans the Maquis leader and friend. MRD Foot (SOE historian) said that Heslop was the strong silent type who did not like putting pen to paper and I have tried in vain to find out any more about him other than the bare facts of birth place and marriage he sets out. It is fortunate that he wrote this book, we would be the poorer if he had not.

This book is a must for any student of WW2 and resistance in France. It complements accounts such as those from Odette and there are areas of crossover between their books which were written separately. Lest we Forget become words with true meaning when we read of good people and innocent civilians murdered tortured and raped. May they like the Maqui who gave so much never be forgotten

Couldn't put this book down. What an amazing person, not forgetting all of those brave souls who made up the Resistance.

This is a brilliantly written, warm insight into a real hero of the resistance.We must remember them all. Authors who tell their stories need always be applauded. When the author or autobiographer is a good writer as well it is also a good read.He survived WW2 but sadly left us too youngRIP Xavier you did both your countries proud. Thank you for your story.